Constellations

What was one of the historical uses of stars before electricity was invented?

• To predict the weather

• To navigate and determine planting and harvesting times

• To create maps of the Earth

• To communicate over long distances

What is the term used to describe a grouping of stars that is not an official constellation?

• Galaxy

• Nebula

• Asterism

• Cluster

How many constellations did the International Astronomical Union divide the sky into?

• 76

• 88

• 100

• 102

What is the Maori name for the group of stars known in Ancient Greek as the Pleiades?

• Subaru

• Matariki

• Thurayya

• Ursa Major

What does the term "constellation" mean in astronomical terms?

• A single star with planets orbiting it

• A region of space designated for space travel

• A grouping of stars

• A pattern formed by different galaxies

What is Orion's belt?

• A constellation visible only during certain times of the year.

• A well-known asterism inside the constellation Orion.

• A constellation that never appears to set.

• A group of constellations visible from the Southern Hemisphere.

How far apart are Betelgeuse and Rigel actually, even though they appear close in the night sky?

• 392 kilometers apart

• 392 light years apart

• 392 miles apart

• 392 astronomical units apart

What are Circumpolar Constellations?

• Constellations that are visible only during certain times of the year.

• Constellations that are visible from the Equator all year round.

• Constellations that never appear to set.

• Constellations that can be seen from the Southern Hemisphere only.

If you live on the Equator, how many constellations can you see throughout the course of one year?

• 88 constellations

• All constellations visible from the Northern Hemisphere

• Only the Circumpolar Constellations

• Less than 88 constellations

Why can't we see all the constellations in one night?

• Because the Sun's light makes it impossible to see stars during the day.

• Because the Earth's rotation on its axis is too slow.

• Because the constellations are too far away from Earth.

• Because the Earth is flat and blocks the view of certain constellations.